Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Thousands share messages of hope for our Muslim whānau

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PRESS RELEASE

20 March 2019

Thousands of people share messages of hope for our Muslim whānau

As people process the attack at two mosques in Christchurch, our Muslim whānau are hurting. But there is an outpouring of love and unity coming from across New Zealand and around the world. Thousands of people have shared messages of hope, ensuring the Muslim community in Christchurch, and beyond, feels the depth of support.

“On Friday, the nation and the world were coming to grips with what happened. What we’re seeing now is a testament to the values we all hold dear; equality, kindness, unity and love,” said Tony Blackett, Executive Director of Amnesty International New Zealand.

The day after the attack, the global human rights organisation began mobilising solidarity with a website action giving people a way to send their messages of hope. So far, nearly 8000 people have done so.

Amnesty International is now sharing messages from the public on billboards, websites and newspapers around the country. This is being made possible due to a number of companies offering their services for free, including Colenso BBDO, Carat NZ, JCDecaux QMS, Lumo and NZME.

Over the coming week the public displays will show people of all ethnicities, religions and cultures – especially our Muslim whānau – the outpouring of empathy and aroha. At the same time, the campaign also invites more people around the world to add their own messages at www.amnesty.org.nz.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Standing together, we are strong. New Zealand needs us – the world needs us – to unite now in compassion and the unwavering commitment to build a future based on respect. A country that welcomes those who have fled persecution and conflict. A society that cherishes diversity,” said Blackett.

This display of unity will be seen on billboards and newspapers in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and Wellington, as well as online. The messages come from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Jamaica, Cook Islands, Canada, France, the US, the UK and many more countries. The list is growing by the day.

The solidarity messages will also be projected at Silo Park in Auckland on Friday night, with support from Auckland Council.

“This is a collective effort. Today we choose love over fear. Today we boldly stand with all those who have lost so much,” said Blackett.

/ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.